Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
  • A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
  • A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
  • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
  • A61N1/378—Electrical supply
  • A61N1/3787—Electrical supply from an external energy source

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus for surgical application in the abdomen of a patient for forming a restricted food passageway in the esophagus or stomach.
• the term "patient" includes an animal or a human being.
• Heartburn and reflux disease is a widespread medical problem. This is often due to hiatal hernia, i.e. a portion of the stomach immediately below the gastric fundus slides upwardly through the esophageal hiatus. In consequence, stomach acids and foods are regurgitated into the esophagus.
• Angelchik In the late 1970s a prior art prosthesis called Angelchik, according to U.S. Patent No. 3,875,928, was used to operatively treat heartburn and reflux disease.
• the Angelchik prosthesis had a major disadvantage in that it was not possible to adjust the size of the restriction opening after the operation.
• a further disadvantage was that the prosthesis did not satisfactorily protect the esophagus and the surrounding area against injuries due to poor shape of the prosthesis. Therefore, operations using the Angelchik prosthesis are no longer practised.
• the object of the present invention is to provide a new convenient heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus, the performance of which may be affected by the patient at any time after operation, in particular when various needs arise over the day, so that the patient always is satisfied.
• a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus comprising an operable restriction device implantable in a patient for engaging the stomach close to the cardia or engaging the esophagus to form a restricted food passageway in the stomach or esophagus, an energy transmission means for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside the patient's body, the restriction device being operable in response to energy of a second form different than the energy of the first form to vary the restricted food passageway, and an energy transforming means implantable in the patient for transforming the energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission means into the energy of the second form.
• the energy transforming means comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region, wherein the element is capable of creating an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission means, and the energy field produces the energy of the second form.
• At least one semiconductor circuitry, transistor circuitry or microchip may be substituted for the element of the apparatus having positive and negative regions.
• Such a semiconductor circuitry, transistor circuitry or microchip is adapted to create an energy field when exposed to the energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission means, whereby the energy field provides the energy of the second form.
• the restriction device preferably controls the cross- sectional area of the food passageway in the stomach or esophagus, which gives the advantage that the patient is enabled to adjust the cross- sectional area of the food passageway whenever he likes during the day. This advantage should not be underestimated, because in case the patient would need to vomit it would be very difficult for him to do so if he were unable to enlarge the cross-sectional area of the food passageway.
• the restriction device is directly operated with the energy of the second form, preferably in a non-magnetic and/or non-mechanical manner, as the energy transmission means transmits the energy of the first form.
• the restriction device may be directly operated with the energy of the second form without externally touching subcutaneously implantable components of the apparatus.
• the advantage of directly using energy as it is transmitted is that the apparatus can be of a very simple design and the few components involved makes the apparatus extremely reliable.
• the restriction device may be non- inflatable, i.e. with no hydraulic fluid involved for the adjustments of the restriction device. This eliminates problems with fluid leaking from the restriction device.
• the element having positive and negative regions comprises an electrical junction element, which is capable of inducing an electric field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission means, whereby the energy of the second form comprises electric energy.
• the restriction device suitably is electrically operated, whereby the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element supply electric energy for the operation of the restriction device.
• the apparatus suitably comprises implantable electric conductors connected to the positive and negative regions of the electrical junction element, whereby the electrical junction element is capable of supplying an electric current, such as a direct current, a pulsating direct current, a combination of a direct and pulsating direct current, an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current, via the conductors.
• the electrical junction element may be capable of supplying a frequency, amplitude, or frequency and amplitude modulated analog, digital, or a combination of analog and digital signal, which is used in connection with control of the restriction device.
• the element preferably in the form of an electrical semiconductor junction element, suitably forms a flat and thin sheet and has a volume of less than 2000 cm 3 to be suited for subcutaneous implantation, so that the electrical junction element can be located just behind the skin of the patient.
• the electrical junction element should be designed to generate an output current exceeding 1 ⁇ A when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission means.
• all the components of the energy transforming means including the electrical junction element in contact with the patient's body should be of a biocompatible material.
• a particular type of an electrical semiconductor junction element has been commonly used, namely a so called p-n (positive/negative) junction element, typically in the form of solar cells.
• a solar cell transforms solar energy in the form of visible light into electric energy in the form of direct current.
• a p-n junction element may comprise two layers of semiconductor, one p-type (positive) and the other n-type (negative) , sandwiched together to form a "p-n junction". This p-n junction induces an electric field across the element when absorbing quanta of light (photons) .
• the quanta of light transfer their energy to some of the semiconductor's electrons, which are then able to move about through the material .
• a corresponding positive charge - a "hole" - is created.
• these electrons and holes recombine after a short time and their energy is wasted as heat.
• the separation of charge induces a voltage across the p-n junction element.
• the energy transmission means transmits energy by at least one wireless signal, preferably containing radiant energy.
• the wireless signal may comprises a wave signal, for example an electromagnetic wave signal, such as an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, and a gamma radiation signal. Where applicable, one or more of the above signals may be combined.
• the wave signal may comprise a sound wave signal, such as an ultrasonic signal.
• the wireless signal may comprise a digital, analog or a digital and analog signal .
• the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission means may comprise an electric or magnetic field transmitted in pulses, for example digital pulses.
• the energy transforming means may transmit the energy of the first form, which may comprise polarized energy, into a direct current, pulsating direct current, a combination of a direct and pulsating direct current, an alternating current or a combination of a direct and alternating current.
• the energy of the first form may comprise kinetic energy.
• the energy of the second form may comprise a frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated analog, digital or combined analog and digital signal .
• the apparatus may further comprise an implantable pulse generator for generating electrical pulses from the energy of the second form produced by the energy field created by the element having positive and negative regions.
• the apparatus comprises an implantable operation device for operating the restriction device and a control device for controlling the operation device, wherein the element powers the operation device with the energy of the second form.
• the operation device preferably comprises a motor, for example an electric linear motor or an electric rotary motor which is controlled by the control device to rotate a desired number of revolutions.
• the electric motor may have electrically conductive parts made of plastics.
• the motor may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid motor, wherein the control device controls the fluid flow through the fluid motor. Motors currently available on the market are getting smaller and smaller. Furthermore, there is a great variety of control methods and miniaturized control equipment available.
• the restriction device comprises hydraulic means and the operation device comprises a pump for pumping a fluid in the hydraulic means, a motor for driving the pump, a valveless fluid conduit between the pump and the hydraulic means of the restriction device, and a reservoir for fluid, wherein the reservoir forms part of the conduit.
• All of the hydraulic components involved are preferably deviod of any non-return valve. This is of great advantage, because with valves involved there is always a risk of malfunction due to improperly working valves, especially when long time periods passes between valve operations .
• the reservoir may form a fluid chamber with a variable volume, and the pump may distribute fluid from the chamber to the hydraulic means of the restriction device by reduction of the volume of the chamber and withdraw fluid from the hydraulic means to the chamber by expansion of the volume of the chamber.
• the control device may reverse the operation device by shifting polarity of the energy of the second form.
• the operation device comprises an electric motor
• the energy of the second form suitably comprises electric energy.
• the restriction device is operable to perform a reversible function, such as enlarging and restricting the food passageway, and there is a reversing device implantable in the patient for reversing the function performed by the restriction device.
• a reversing function preferably involves enlarging and restricting the food passageway by the restriction device, suitably in a stepless manner.
• the control device suitably controls the reversing device, which may include a switch, to reverse the function performed by the restriction device.
• the reversing device may comprise hydraulic means including a valve for shifting the flow direction of a fluid in the hydraulic means.
• the reversing device may comprise a mechanical reversing device, such as a switch or a gear box.
• the control device suitably controls the operation of the switch by shifting polarity of the energy supplied to the switch.
• the switch may comprise an electric switch and the source of energy may supply electric energy for the operation of the switch.
• the apparatus further comprises an energy storage device implantable in the patient for storing the energy of the second form and for supplying energy in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
• the implantable energy storage device preferably comprises an electric source of energy, such as an accumulator, a rechargeable battery or a combination of an accumulator and rechargeable battery.
• the apparatus may further comprise a switch implantable in the patient for switching the operation of the restriction device and a source of energy implantable in the patient.
• a switch implantable in the patient for switching the operation of the restriction device and a source of energy implantable in the patient.
• This embodiment is particularly suited for applications where the energy transmission efficiency of the apparatus is insufficient, i.e. where the implantable restriction device is to perform more advanced operations .
• a source of energy preferably is a battery.
• the source of energy is an accumulator which also may store the energy of the second form.
• the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the restriction device.
• the implantable source of energy may comprise a battery, preferably having a life-time of at least 10 years, or an accumulator.
• other kinds of sources are also conceivable, such as a nuclear source of energy or a chemical source of energy.
• the apparatus further comprises a remote control for controlling the supply of energy of the implantable source of energy, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy storage device to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the restriction device.
• the energy storage device is omitted, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming means to switch from an off mode, in which the remote control is prevented from controlling the source of energy and the source of energy is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the source of energy to supply energy for the operation of the restriction device.
• the remote control is omitted, wherein the switch is operated by the energy of the second form supplied by the energy transforming means to switch from an off mode, in which the source of energy is not in use, to an on mode, in which the source of energy supplies energy for the operation of the restriction device.
• the switch may switch when the energy transmission means is transmitting wireless energy, preferably while the transformed energy of the second form is stabilized by an implantable capacitor, which may temporarily (for a few seconds) store the energy of the second form.
• the switch mentioned above may comprise an electronic switch or, where applicable, a mechanical switch.
• the remote control uses energy from the implantable source of energy.
• energy may be transmitted to activate the switch to connect the implantable source of energy only when energy is required in connection with the operation of the restriction device.
• All of the above embodiments may be combined with at least one implantable sensor for sensing at least one physical parameter of the patient, wherein the control device may control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
• the sensor may comprise a pressure sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the pressure in the food passageway.
• the expression "indirectly sensing the pressure in the food passageway” should be understood to encompass the cases where the sensor senses the pressure against the restriction device or human tissue of the patient.
• the control device may comprise an internal control unit implantable in the patient for, preferably directly, controlling the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
• the internal control unit may send information thereon to outside the patient's body.
• the control unit may also automatically control the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
• the control unit may control the restriction device to further restrict the food passageway in the stomach in response to the sensor sensing that the patient is lying, or enlarge the food passageway in response to the sensor sensing an abnormally high pressure against the restriction device.
• control device may comprise an external control unit outside the patient's body for, suitably directly, controlling the restriction device in response to signals from the sensor.
• the external control unit may store information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor and may be manually operated to control the restriction device based on the stored information.
• implantable sender for sending information on the physical parameter sensed by the sensor.
• An external data communicator may be provided outside the patient's body and an implantable internal data communicator may be provided for communicating with the external communicator.
• the internal data communicator may feed data related to the patient, or related to the implantable restriction device, back to the external data communicator.
• the external data communicator may feed data to the internal data communicator.
• the internal data communicator may suitably feed data related to at least one physical signal of the patient.
• the apparatus may further comprise an implantable programmable control unit for controlling the restriction device, preferably over time in accordance with an activity schedule program. This will advance the apparatus and make possible an adaptation of the apparatus to the individual patients .
• the apparatus advantageously comprises a wireless remote control transmitting at least one wireless control signal for controlling the restriction device.
• a remote control it will be possible to adapt the function of the apparatus to the patient's need in a daily basis, which is beneficial with respect to the treatment of the patient.
• the wireless remote control may be capable of obtaining information on the condition of the implantable restriction device and of controlling the restriction device in response to the information. Also, the remote control may be capable of sending information related to the restriction device from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
• the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal transmitter or tranceiver and at least one internal signal receiver or transciever implantable in the patient .
• the wireless remote control comprises at least one external signal reciever or transceiver and at least one internal signal transmitter or transceiver implantable in the patient .
• the wireless remote control may transmit a carrier signal for carrying the control signal, wherein the carrier signal is frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated and is digital, analog or digital and analog.
• the control signal used with the carrier signal may be frequency, amplitude or frequency and amplitude modulated.
• the control signal may comprise a wave signal, for example, a sound wave signal, such as an ultrasound wave signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, such as an infrared light signal, a visible light signal, an ultra violet light signal, a laser signal, a micro wave signal, a radio wave signal, an x-ray radiation signal, or a gamma radiation signal. Where applicable, two or more of the above signals may be combined.
• the control signal may be digital or analog, and may comprise an electric or magnetic field.
• the wireless remote control may transmit an electromagnetic carrier wave signal for carrying the digital or analog control signal .
• use of an analog carrier wave signal carrying a digital control signal would give safe communication.
• the control signal may be transmitted in pulses by the wireless remote control .
• the energy transforming means may be placed in the thorax, abdomen or cephal region, or implanted subcutaneously .
• a transistor circuitry is substituted for the element of the apparatus having positive and negative regions.
• a microchips is substituted for the element of the apparatus having positive and negative regions.
• the present invention also provides a method for implanting the heartburn and reflux disease apparatus of the invention, comprising the steps of providing a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus as described above, cutting an opening in a patient's mucosa in an orifice of the patient's body, and implanting the energy transforming means in the patient's body through the opening.
• the cutting step may comprise cutting an opening in the patient's skin and the implanting step may comprise implanting the energy transforming means in the patient's body through the opening.
• a laparascopical implanting method in accordance with a first alternative, comprising the steps of providing a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus as described above, placing at least two laparascopic cannula within a patient's body, and implanting the energy transforming means in the patient's body by using the at least two laparascopic cannula.
• a laparoscopic surgical method of implanting a heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus comprising the step of a) laparascopically placing a restriction device of the apparatus through the abdomen or thorax of a patient, b) placing at least two laparoscopic trocar within the patient's body, c) using at least one dissecting tool inserted through the laparascopic trocar, dissecting the region of the esophagus or stomach, d) introducing the restriction device through the trocar, e) placing the restriction device in engagement with the stomach close to the cardia or in engagement with the esophagus to form a restricted food passageway, and f) implanting an energy transforming means of the apparatus .
• the energy transforming means of thr apparatus may be implanted, for example subcutaneously, in the abdomen, thorax or cephal region, or other locations in the patient's body.
• FIGURES 1 to 12 are schematic block diagrams illustrating twelve embodiments, respectively, of the heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus of the invention, in which wireless energy is transmitted from outside a patient's body to energy consuming components of the apparatus implanted in the patient ;
• FIGURE 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating conceivable combinations of implantable components for achieving various communication options
• FIGURE 14 illustrates an electrical junction element for use in the apparatus of the present invention
• FIGURE 15 illustrates the apparatus in accordance with the invention implanted in a patient .
• Fig. 1 schematically shows a most simple embodiment of the heartburn and reflux disease apparatus of the invention having some parts implanted in a patient and other parts located outside the patient's body.
• the apparatus of Fig. 1 comprises an implanted operable restriction device 4, which engages the patient's stomach close to the cardia (or alternatively engages the esophagus) to form a restricted food passageway in the stomach.
• the restriction device 4 is capable of performing a reversible function, i.e.
• An implanted energy transforming means 6 is adapted to supply energy consuming components of the restriction device 4 with energy via a power supply line 12.
• An external energy transmission means 10 includes a wireless remote control transmitting a wireless signal which is received by a signal receiver incorporated in the implanted energy transforming means 6. The implanted energy transforming means 6 transforms energy from the signal into electric energy which is supplied via the power supply line 12.
• Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 1, except that a reversing device in the form of an electric switch 14 also is implanted in the patient for reversing the restriction device 4.
• the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission means 10 transmits a wireless energy carrying signal and the implanted energy transforming means 6 transforms the wireless energy into a current for operating the switch 14.
• the switch 14 reverses the function performed by the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 1, except that an operation device in the form of a motor 15 for operating the restriction device 4 also is implanted in the patient.
• the motor 15 is powered with energy from the energy transforming means 6, as the remote control of the external energy transmission means 10 transmits a wireless signal to the receiver of the energy trans orming means 6.
• Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 1, except that an assembly 16 including a motor/pump unit 18 and a fluid reservoir 20 also is implanted in the patient.
• the restriction device 4 is hydraulically operated, i.e. hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 from the reservoir 20 through a conduit 22 to the restriction device 4 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the food passageway, and hydraulic fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 18 back from the restriction device 4 to the reservoir 20 to enlarge the cross-sectional area.
• the implanted energy transforming means 6 transforms wireless energy into a current for powering the motor/pump unit 18 via an electric power supply line 24.
• Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising the external energy transmission means 10 with its wireless remote control, the restriction device 4, in this case hydraulically operated, and the energy transforming means 6, and further comprising an implanted hydraulic fluid reservoir 30, an implanted motor/pump unit 32 and an implanted reversing device in the form of a hydraulic valve shifting device 34.
• the motor of the motor/pump unit 32 is an electric motor.
• the energy transforming means 6 powers the motor/pump unit 32 with energy carried by the control signal, whereby the motor/pump unit 32 distributes hydraulic fluid between the reservoir 30 and the restriction device 4.
• the remote control of the energy transmission means 10 controls the shifting device 34 to shift the hydraulic fluid flow direction between one direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 32 from the reservoir 30 to the restriction device 4 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the food passageway, and another opposite direction in which the fluid is pumped by the motor/pump unit 32 back from the restriction device 4 to the reservoir 30 to enlarge the cross- sectional area.
• Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 1, except that a control unit 36 controlled by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission means 10, an accumulator 38 and a capacitor 40 also are implanted in the patient.
• the control unit 36 stores electric energy received from the energy transforming means 6 in the accumulator 38, which supplies energy to the restriction device 4.
• control unit 6 In response to a control signal from the wireless remote control of the energy transmission means 10, the control unit 6 either releases electric energy from the accumulator 38 and transfers the released energy via power lines 42 and 44, or directly transfers electric energy from the energy transforming means 6 via a power line 46, the capacitor 40, which stabilizes the electric current, a power line 48 and the power line 44, for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• the capacitor 40 in the embodiment of Fig. 6 may be omitted.
• the accumulator 38 in this embodiment may be omitted.
• Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 1, except that a battery 50 for supplying energy for the operation of the restriction device 4 and an electric switch 52 for switching the operation of the restriction device 4 also are implanted in the patient.
• the switch 52 is operated by the energy supplied by the energy transforming means 6 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 50 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 50 supplies energy for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 7, except that a control unit 36 controllable by the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission means 10 also is implanted in the patient.
• the switch 52 is operated by the energy supplied by the energy transforming means 6 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the control unit 36 and the battery is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the remote control is permitted to control the control unit 36 to release electric energy from the battery 50 for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 8, except that an accumulator 38 is substituted for the battery 50 and the implanted components are interconnected differently.
• the accumulator 38 stores energy from the energy transforming means 6.
• the implanted control unit 36 controls the switch 52 to switch from an off mode, in which the accumulator 38 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the accumulator 38 supplies energy for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 9, except that a battery 50 also is implanted in the patient and the implanted components are interconnected differently.
• the implanted control unit 36 controls the accumulator 38 to deliver energy for operating the switch 52 to switch from an off mode, in which the battery 50 is not in use, to an on mode, in which the battery 50 supplies electric energy for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• the switch 52 may be operated by energy supplied by the accumulator 38 to switch from an off mode, in which the wireless remote control is prevented from controlling the battery 50 to supply electric energy and is not in use, to a standby mode, in which the wireless remote control is permitted to control the battery 50 to supply electric energy for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 7, except that a motor 15, a mechanical reversing device in the form of a gear box 54 and a control unit 36 for controlling the gear box 54 also are implanted in the patient .
• the implanted control unit 36 controls the gear box 54 to reverse the function performed by the restriction device 4 (mechanically operated) .
• Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention identical to that of Fig. 10 except that the implanted components are interconnected differently.
• the control unit 36 is powered by the battery 50 when the accumulator 38, suitably a capacitor, activates the switch 52 to switch to an on mode.
• the switch 52 is in its on mode the control unit 36 is permitted to control the battery 50 to supply, or not supply, energy for the operation of the restriction device 4.
• Fig. 13 schematically shows conceivable combinations of implantable components of the apparatus for achieving various communication options.
• the restriction device 4 control unit 36 and motor/pump unit 18, and the external energy transmission means 10 including the external wireless remote control .
• the wireless remote control transmits a control signal which is received by the control unit 36, which in turn controls the various implanted components of the apparatus.
• a sensor 56 may be implanted in the patient for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as the pressure in the food passageway.
• the implanted control unit. 36 or alternatively the external wireless remote control of the energy transmission means 10, may control the restriction device 4 in response to signals from the sensor 56.
• a tranceiver may be combined with the sensor 56 for sending information on the sensed physical parameter to the external wireless remote control .
• the wireless remote control may comprise a signal transmitter or tranceiver and the implanted control unit 36 may comprise a signal receiver or transciever.
• the wireless remote control may comprise a signal reciever or transceiver and the implanted control unit 36 may comprise a signal transmitter or transceiver.
• the above tranceivers, transmitters and receivers may be used for sending information or data related to the restriction device 4 from inside the patient's body to the outside thereof.
• the battery 50 may be equipped with a tranceiver for sending information on the condition of the battery 50.
• the energy operated switch 14 could be incorporated in any of the embodiments of Figs. 3,6-12
• the hydraulic shifting device 34 could be incorporated in the embodiment of Fig. 4
• the gear box 54 could be incorporated in the embodiment of Fig. 3.
• Figur 14 shows an energy transforming means in the form of an electrical junction element 58 for use in any of the above embodiments according to Figs. 1-13.
• the element 58 is a flat p-n junction element comprising a p-type semiconductor layer
• I is the external current flow
• 10 is the reverse saturation current
• q is the fundamental electronic charge of 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs
• V is the applied voltage
• k is the Boltzmann constant
• T is the absolute temperature
• An alternative way to design a p-n junction element is to deposit a thin layer of semiconductor onto a supporting material which does not absorb the kind of energy utilized in the respective embodiments.
• a supporting material which does not absorb the kind of energy utilized in the respective embodiments.
• glass could be a suitable material .
• Various materials may be used in the semiconductor layers such as but not limited to cadmium telluride, copper- indium-diselenide and silicon. It is also possible to use a multilayer structure with several layers of p and n-type materials to improve efficiency.
• the electric energy generated by the p-n junction element 58 could be of the same type as generated by solar cells, in which the negative and positive fields create a direct current. Alternatively, the negative and positive semiconductor layers may change polarity following the transmitted waves, thereby generating an alternating current.
• the p-n junction element 58 is designed to make it suited for implantation. Thus, all the external surfaces of the element 58 in contact with the human body are made of a biocompatible material.
• the p-n junction semiconductors are designed to operate optimally at a body temperature of 37° C because the current output, which should be more than 1 ⁇ A, is significantly depending on temperature as shown above.
• Fig. 15 generally illustrates how any of the above- described embodiments of the heartburn and reflux disease treatment apparatus of the invention may be implanted in a patient.
• a restriction device 4 engages the esophagus 66 close to the cardia to form an artificial sphincter around the food passageway in the esophagus.
• An implanted operation device 68 such as an electric motor or a motor/pump assembly, operates the restriction device 4 through a transmission member 70, such as a mechanical transmission cord or a fluid tube.
• a transmission member 70 such as a mechanical transmission cord or a fluid tube.
• Wireless energy carried by a signal transmitted by a wireless remote control of an external energy transmission means 10 at least partly penetrates the patient's skin and hits the element 6. The energy thus hitting the element 6 is transformed into energy of a different form that is suited for powering the operation device 68.
• the element 6 comprises an electric p-n junction element that transforms the wireless energy into an electric current for powering the electric motor.
• the operation device 68 comprises a pump
• the element 6 may transform the wireless energy into kinetic energy for powering the pump.
• the transformed energy may be utilized for directly operating the restriction device 4 or, where the restriction device 4 is electrically operated, for storage in a capacitor and/or an accumulator for later or parallel use.
• the element 6 is controlled by a microprocessor.
• the wireless remote control of the external energy transmission means 10 is used to control the utilization of the transmitted energy and any function or command to/from the implanted restriction device 4.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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• 2000
  • 2000-02-09 US US09/501,267 patent/US6454701B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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